FOR PLANNING BOARD: Robert Schaeffner

Responses to the Marblehead Reporter's Candidates Guide of Robert Schaeffner, candidate for Marblehead Planning Board.

Staff reports

1. Please give us a brief biographical sketch and summary of your qualifications for office.

Architect, Principal at Payette Associates Inc., 140-person architectural firm in Boston, Mass. Over 30 years at Payette providing leadership to numerous prestigious institutions in master planning, programming, and design with a focus on science/technology buildings for colleges, universities and corporations nationwide.

I received a bachelor’s of architecture from Rhode Island School of Design in 1981. Licensed architect in 20 states, member AIA and LEED certified.
I live in Marblehead with my wife Jenn and two children.

Currently serving on the Marblehead Planning Board, appointed July 2012 by Board of Selectmen and Planning Board.

Served on Marblehead Zoning Board of Appeals, October 2010 to July 2012

Member of Glover School Building Committee

2. Why are you seeking a seat on the Planning Board? How would your election have a positive impact on the board?

I am seeking election to the seat I currently hold in order to continue to assist the responsible development for the town of Marblehead. I have great regard for the unique and special quality of Marblehead and wish to preserve its character while encouraging appropriate development projects. I have already demonstrated thoughtful consideration of the applications before me and listened carefully to the needs and concerns of both applicants and neighbors. I believe my insight and background as an architect have provided great benefit to the Planning Board over the past year.

3. What do you feel are the most pressing issues facing the Planning Board and, if elected, how would you address them?

I recognize that there will always be a desire to develop property in Marblehead given the value and scarcity of potential sites. It is the role of the Planning Board to maintain a balance between the goals of the developer and the remarkable character and delicate scale of Marblehead.

If elected, I would continue to provide a critical eye and creative thinking related to the proposals that come before the board. The other Planning Board members and ZBA members have expressed appreciation for my critical insight into design issues related to the applications we have heard.

4. What philosophy will your bring to the Planning Board table? How do you balance a need for flexibility, given the unique geography of a built-out town that dates back to Colonial days with a need for consistency in the way rules are applied? Are you aware of any past Planning Board decisions on which you would have reached a different conclusion?

I believe that development should continue in Marblehead in an appropriate manner that recognizes the history, density and scale that makes this town so special. It is a delicate balance of smart growth planning with respect for the history and architecture of Marblehead. The role of the Planning Board is to maintain this balance for future generations of Marbleheaders.

The role of the Planning Board is to first look for ways that a project can be modified to meet the standards of the existing zoning bylaws. If it cannot meet the standards, then it is important to minimize deviation from the standards. In any case, it is key to exercise good judgement in finding an appropriate solution.

5. What are your thoughts on the Town Meeting article proposing a zoning change related to play structures? Are you inclined to support this proposal?

This proposed zoning bylaw change was presented to the Planning Board on April 9, 2013, and will continue in the May meeting. The board has not yet concluded deliberations on this matter. Therefore, as a current member of the board, it is not appropriate for me to comment on an open item before the board. I encourage anyone interested in this matter to attend the next Planning Board hearing.